Ship History
Built at the Mitsubishi shipyard at Nagasaki and commissioned on August 29, 1935. In July, the cruiser departed with Cruiser Division 7 for Samah on Hainan Island, and participated in Operation FU to occupy southern Indochina.

Wartime History
On December 8, 1941 at the start of the Pacific War, Mikuma was part of the southern expeditionary fleet, providing close support for the Japanese landings at Singora, Patani and Kota Bharu in Malyasia.

On February 28, 1942 during the Battle of the Sunda Strait at 11:55pm, USS Houston CA_30 scored hits on Mikuma that knocked out her electrical power, but it was quickly restored. Aboard, six were killed and eleven wounded.

Sinking History
On June 6, 1942 during the Battle of Midway on June 6, 1942 Mikuma and Mogami were headed for Wake Island when they are attacked by three waves of 81 SBD Dauntless dive bombers from USS Enterprise (CV-6) and USS Hornet (CV-8).

Mikuma is hit by at least five bombs in the forecastle, bridge area and amidships and set afire. The hit on the forecastle puts the forward guns out of commission. The hit near the bridge area sets off some ready service AA shells and causes considerable damage to the bridge and personnel. The hit amidships sets off several torpedoes and the resultant explosions destroy the ship. Captain Sakiyama is wounded severely. Mikuma turns on her portside and sinks at roughly Lat 29-22N, Long 176-34E. In total, 650 of the crew are killed.

Fates of the Crew
After the sinking, Asashio rescued Captain Sakiyama. Later, he is transferred to Suzuya for medical attention. Mogami, Asashio and Arashio rescue 240 survivors, then they depart for Truk. Later, Admiral Kondo orders Asashio back to search for more survivors from Mikuma and to scuttle her. She searches, but fails to find the cruiser.

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Last Updated
May 22, 2017

29-22N
176-34E

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